 Color |
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Color quality is a common concern among our customers. There are ways of predicting how your job will print, and granted not all are exact. In this section, we will be giving you some solutions, and suggestions to help you with all the decisions you will be making. |
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| CMYK vs RGB |
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When working with graphics, you have the option of saving the image as "RGB" or as "CMYK." |
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RGB (red, green, blue) is the color model used for images viewed on a screen or monitor (think web pages or television). Colors built from the RGB model cannot be reproduced when printing on an offset press - they cannot be separtated out to create printing plates. However, colors built from RGB or images saved as RGB will reproduce on a color printer.
NOTE: .gif and .jpg files are by default RGB. |
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CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is the color model used for images in print. When blended, they can reproduce the widest range of color with the fewest inks when printing. Colors built using the CMYK model and images saved at CMYK will separate to create the printing plates required for offset printing.
NOTE: When creating or editing graphics in Photoshop, RGB is the color model by default. If using the image for offset printing, you must convert the image to CMYK before saving. |
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The Pantone Color Book |
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By picking a color from the Pantone Color Formula Guide, you are actively choosing how your document will print. When printed via metal plate, the colors will be exactly as they appeared in the guide. Printing to the Color Printer, is not nearly as exact as printing metal. |
| When you do pick an ink color, you need to consider some other factors such as type, and color of your paper. |
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How does the paper I select factor into the color of my finished job? |
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For starters, the ink used is translucent, and will reflect the color of the paper as well as the color of the ink. (If your paper is off-white, all your highlights and brights will be less vibrant.) |
| Another item to consider is whether or not your paper is coated. A coated stock will have a sheen to it, therefor making the ink appear more vibrant. In the case of a more porous paper, more ink will be absorbed, creating a slightly darker color when printed. When picking your colors from the Pantone book, you will notice it is divided into Coated and Un-Coated. Be sure to select your colors accordingly. |
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| What's the point of a Color Proof, if it isn't exact? |
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The point of a color proof (when printing metal) is to help you better visualize how your job will look and to check how everything is lining up. This is also a good time to reconsider your color selections. |
| When printing directly to the Color Printer, your Color Proof is nearly exactly what you will receive as a finished product. Minor shifts in hue and tone may occur if the proof is printed days before the final job is output. |
